How to Keep Your Results After Stopping GLP-1s (and Avoid the 70–90% Regain Curve)

GLP-1 therapy is often just the first phase of a successful weight loss journey. The challenge comes when the medication stops.

Clinical data show that 70–90% of patients regain a significant portion of the weight they lost within 12 months of stopping GLP-1 therapy. But here’s the key: the patients who maintain their results almost always have a post-therapy plan that protects metabolism and lean mass.

 

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Why Weight Comes Back Post-GLP-1

1. Metabolic Slowdown from Lean Mass Loss

   • As discussed in earlier articles, 25–40% of weight lost on GLP-1s can be lean mass.

   • Less lean mass means a lower basal metabolic rate (BMR) — so you burn fewer calories at rest.

    

2. Appetite Returns

   • GLP-1s suppress appetite while you’re taking them. Once discontinued, hunger often returns to baseline (or higher).

    

3. Energy Expenditure Drops

   • Less activity, lower BMR, and fewer calories burned daily combine to create a “perfect storm” for weight regain.

    

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The Transition Strategy — How to Defy the 70–90% Curve

The solution isn’t to stay on medication forever — it’s to create a metabolic bridge that helps you transition off therapy without losing ground.

1. Resistance Training Becomes Non-Negotiable

• Continue or increase your strength training program.

• Aim for 2–4 sessions weekly, prioritizing progressive overload to rebuild or maintain lean muscle.

2. Nutrition for Maintenance

• Gradually increase calories toward maintenance while prioritizing high protein intake (1.2–1.6 g/kg).

• Avoid the post-therapy swing to high-calorie, low-protein foods.

3. Strategic Supplementation to Support Metabolism

• SLM+: Supports glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic drive during the transition.

• ULTRABRN: Can help maintain energy and thermogenesis as appetite increases.

• Amino Acids (REGEN+, REFUEL+, RCVRY+): Help protect lean mass while calories rise to maintenance.

 

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Why the Bridge Matters

Think of the post-GLP-1 phase as crossing a bridge:

• On one side is the weight you lost during therapy.

• On the other side is your long-term metabolic stability.

• Without a bridge, the drop-off is steep — which is why most people fall into the 70–90% regain curve.

With the right strategy, you can preserve lean mass, stabilize appetite, and protect your metabolism until your body adapts to life after GLP-1s.

 

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Series Continuity

This article is part of STAAR LABS’ Lean Mass Protection Series for GLP-1 users.

• Article 1: The Hidden Cost of GLP-1 Weight Loss — Understanding Lean Mass Loss

• Article 2: Why Basal Metabolic Drive Drops on GLP-1s (and How to Counter It)

• Article 3: Nutrition, Resistance Training, and Supplementation — Protecting Lean Mass on GLP-1s

• Article 4: How to Keep Your Results After Stopping GLP-1s (and Avoid the 70–90% Regain Curve)

• Article 5: Building a Lifelong Metabolism Protection Plan

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. STAAR LABS is not a licensed pharmacy, medical provider, or drug manufacturer. We do not dispense or prescribe medications. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan. Research & Innovation Disclosure: STAAR LABS collaborates with clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare professionals to advance innovation in real-world metabolic health protocols. We welcome research partners committed to improving outcomes through evidence-based nutraceutical and pharmaceutical strategies.